He said the procurement of all 18 aircraft had been approved by the previous administration.

“We want the current Cabinet to approve what was already approved by the previous administration.

“The acquisition of light combat aircraft still remains at 18 and hopefully, (the deal will be completed) as soon as possible, but it needs to go through certain processes,” he told reporters after a visit to the Subang Air Base.

Mohamad said his ministry would also look into increasing assets of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) based on priority because it involved a large allocation.

“We want to complete what we should have and what needs to be upgraded ( for aircrafts),” he said.

Commenting on preparations for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA ’23), Mohamad said the ministry had invited six countries to participate in the static and air shows.

“Two countries have confirmed participation. Thus far, 80% of exhibitors have expressed commitment to participate in LIMA ’23 which is the largest air and maritime show. The last time it was held was in 2019,” he said.

Mohamad said the LIMA ’23 exhibition would provide the ministry and MAF the opportunity to look at defence assets from abroad, in addition to meeting and having strategic defence diplomacy.

The LIMA ’23 exhibition is scheduled to take place from May 23 to 27, and is expected to see the participation of more than 600 exhibitors, from both local and international defence industry companies, and attract more than 50,000 delegates from home and abroad.